Art Exhibit Policy

Cary Memorial Library provides gallery space in keeping with the library’s mission to provide the Lexington community with materials, programs, and services that promote lifelong learning and cultural enrichment, free and open to all.

The following areas are available for exhibit:

Fred S. Piper Gallery

Walter S. and Marianne F. Pierce Gallery

Meeting Room Gallery

Cary Commons Gallery of Student Art (with first preference given to exhibits by area schools)

In keeping with the library’s “free and open to all” principles, no admission charges or requests for donations will be permitted in the library’s galleries. The library will allow exhibitors to include their name, personal or business address, and/or telephone number should a viewer wish to inquire about a purchase.

The exhibitor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Lexington, the library, its employees, and the Board of Trustees against any theft, damage, or liability as a result of the use of the exhibit space.

The library subscribes to the use of its facilities in a manner consistent with the ALA Library Bill of Rights. Permission to use gallery space does not imply endorsement or approval of the exhibitor’s beliefs, policies or programs by Cary Memorial Library or its Board of Trustees.

Art Exhibit Procedures for Artists

Cary Memorial Library offers three exhibit spaces to community artists: the Piper Gallery (on the Main Level), the Pierce Gallery (on the Lower Level) and the Meeting Room Gallery. The library also offers an exhibit space devoted to student art: the Cary Commons Gallery of Student Art.

Selection and Scheduling of Exhibits

The library’s art selection process begins during the fall for the following year. A call for exhibitors will be published in the “Lexington Minuteman” and simultaneously announced on the library’s website: www.carylibrary.org. As soon as the call is published, artists interested in exhibiting in the galleries during the next calendar year should submit a completed Art Exhibit Application form, which may be obtained at the Circulation Desk or online.

All artists are encouraged to apply for gallery space, but due to high demand, priority may be given to Lexington residents, and subject to such additional criteria as the director shall promulgate. Normally no artist will be accepted for exhibition more often than once every two years. Artists may indicate which month(s) and gallery(s) they would prefer, but the schedule and location of exhibits will be determined and managed by the library staff.

Exhibition Logistics

Art exhibits are scheduled as month-long exhibits. Artists should be prepared to hang their exhibits within the first two days of the month assigned. All artwork included in the exhibit should remain hanging for the entire month.

The galleries at Cary Memorial Library utilize a special hanging system for artwork. Works must be framed with a wire across the back to accommodate this system. No other method of hanging (tape, glue, tacks, nails, etc.) may be used. Artists or their representatives should be prepared to hang their own work with minimal assistance from library staff.

The artist will produce a sign, artist’s biography, and brief description of the exhibit for display which will fit an 8 ½ x 11 inch paper or cardstock. The artist is also responsible for producing cardstock labels (approximately 2 x 3 inches) for each art piece. The library will provide the special hanging adhesive which must be used to affix labels to the walls.

A member of the staff must approve the exhibit after it is hung and may require changes in layout for safety considerations. A complete list of all the artworks in the exhibit should be left with the library staff.

Exhibits should be removed during the last two days of the month. The library has no space to store any artwork. Artwork must be removed from the library building as soon as the exhibit is dismantled.

Insurance

Cary Memorial Library does not hold insurance for artwork on exhibit and is not responsible for loss of or damage to any of the artists’ work.

Publicity

The library handles gallery exhibit publicity, including press releases and website listing. Artists may create and distribute their own postcards or invitations to receptions.

Artist’s Reception

The artist may schedule a reception during his/her exhibit, using the library’s Large Meeting Room or the Learning Center, subject to the terms and conditions of the library’s Meeting Rooms Policy. The reception should be scheduled through the library’s meeting rooms booking system. The rooms are heavily used throughout the year, so a reception should be scheduled as soon as the artist receives his/her exhibit confirmation. Artists should call 781-862-6288 ext 251 or use the reservation form to reserve either the Large Meeting Room or Learning Center. (Artists do not need to submit a Room Use Approval form.) Requests for special table or chair arrangements in the Large Meeting Room should be made at the time of scheduling. Last minute changes cannot be guaranteed.

Responsibility for refreshments, set up, and clean up for a reception rests with the artist. Library staff is not available for assistance with receptions.

Sale of Artwork

The library will not engage in selling or negotiating for the sale of artwork on behalf of an artist. Business cards or contact information for an artist, however, may be left in the gallery. Cary Memorial Library receives no commission for any artwork sold.